tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908Sat, 17 Feb 2018 05:22:58 +0000design wallquilt topsfinishedUFO challengeremodelstack n whackQOVWIPbaby quiltquilt for an hourdyeingwork in progressdisappearing 9 patchkaleidoscope blocksquiltingscenerybutterfly bloomsbannerdesgin wallfree motion quiltingsewing roomwhat's on my design wallbaby quiltsUFOscharity quiltcord bowlflimsyspin cycletotescelticdrunkard's pathone block wondertotally tubulartutorialJelly Beans quiltOBWprofessional tote9-patchfabric storagehidden wellsjelly roll racemysterystashswap4-patchIraqi Bundles of Lovebagsheadboardmock-upmodern quiltorganizationsolar flarewallhangingzip-itUFOaloha shirtsbali bowlbindingbookbordersbuilt-incatcolorwashdelectable mountainsdragonfliesfabric bowlfree patternhawaiiocean rainone momentpaper piecingquilt topsit-down quilting machineturtlesword quiltAmishDIYMSPaintOBOLcookingdresden platesduvet covereclipsefabricfair and squarefall colorsflynn diagonal backingfungiveawayhanging methodikeajournaljournal coverjungle rainlayoutmemepajama quilterpalette generatorplanspressing toolspurchasesquilt of valorquilt shopssewingsewing tablesistersslash a stashspiderwebtemplatesthreadtoolstraveltreadle sewing machinewildlifeMary's Quilting NotesAn online diary of my quiltinghttp://edutach.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Mary)Blogger591125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-5168889546630075176Mon, 07 Sep 2015 01:44:00 +00002015-09-06T19:45:47.693-06:00DIYfree motion quiltingDIY: make a Free Motion Quilting Practice "Machine"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-guFd01_kEEk/Vey6wqrcxtI/AAAAAAAAEBM/fG-YeFGz2-0/s1600/DSCN2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-guFd01_kEEk/Vey6wqrcxtI/AAAAAAAAEBM/fG-YeFGz2-0/s320/DSCN2135.JPG" width="320" /></a>So, here is the FMQ practice machine. It's made up of a 1" diameter PVC pipe about 24 inches long, two right angles that go down to the feet and then two end caps. I didn't use any glue and got the wrong size end caps so I ended up taping them on instead of pushing them over the ends of the T-connectors. There is a very short piece of PVC between the right angle and the T-connector. Measure how tall you want your device and cut the size according to that height.<br /><br />The pen holder is two hose clamps and a hose connector. Put the larger hose clamp around the horizontal pipe, and the smaller should be inside the larger as in the picture below. The hose connector then gets clamped inside the smaller hose clamp and you push the marker inside. I used a rubber band around the marker so I could get it inside but it would still be snug. Because the rubber band snugs the marker, but doesn't make it immobile I can adjust it up or down to just meet the surface I'm writing on. I tried a piece of paper, but it's not smooth enough. I had an extra 3-ring binder hanging around and the front of it with the extra plastic where you can slip in a piece of paper for the cover is perfect. I could print up designs and put them in there to practice on.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7InV8eOsZE/Vey6wu9_iAI/AAAAAAAAEBw/Qv-hbYMgv1o/s1600/DSCN2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7InV8eOsZE/Vey6wu9_iAI/AAAAAAAAEBw/Qv-hbYMgv1o/s320/DSCN2134.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a close-up of the pen holder in the center of the bar.<br />The hose clamps cost about $1.50 each and the gray connector was about $.70.</td></tr></tbody></table>Below are pictures of the parts I used, except for the PVC pipe. The diameter you get determines the size of everything else. Hope this was clear. If it wasn't and you have questions, just comment and I'll try to answer them.<br /><br />Enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9tKSoKIwWA/Vey_wXBzWKI/AAAAAAAAECo/6D_J2Q8D0dE/s1600/hose%2Bclamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9tKSoKIwWA/Vey_wXBzWKI/AAAAAAAAECo/6D_J2Q8D0dE/s200/hose%2Bclamp.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hose clamps: choose sizes that will fit around <br />your horizontal pipe and the hose connector for the pen.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dg5X3IChqSk/Vey_wZsN1DI/AAAAAAAAECk/eeHpzg4a3Ug/s1600/hose%2Bconnector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dg5X3IChqSk/Vey_wZsN1DI/AAAAAAAAECk/eeHpzg4a3Ug/s200/hose%2Bconnector.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hose connector. Make sure the interior<br />&nbsp;is large enough for you marker.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rO6K4B159bY/Vey8JzoEWEI/AAAAAAAAECc/3W_Bj9y651Y/s1600/90%2Bdegree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rO6K4B159bY/Vey8JzoEWEI/AAAAAAAAECc/3W_Bj9y651Y/s200/90%2Bdegree.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is what the 90 degree piece looks like. It's used<br />to connect the long horizontal &nbsp;bar to the legs.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqA3wd8UWZA/Vey8Ck2KkhI/AAAAAAAAECU/5hLqJJoK4eo/s1600/cap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqA3wd8UWZA/Vey8Ck2KkhI/AAAAAAAAECU/5hLqJJoK4eo/s200/cap.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End cap for the base. This makes'<br />the foot of the device a bit longer so more stable (I think.)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xd-i8dW5MI/Vey8CrFHxTI/AAAAAAAAECI/GxVnJIhQvAo/s1600/PVC%2BT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xd-i8dW5MI/Vey8CrFHxTI/AAAAAAAAECI/GxVnJIhQvAo/s200/PVC%2BT.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-connector for the base</td></tr></tbody></table>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/09/diy-make-free-motion-quilting-practice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-7435247530335072019Sun, 06 Sep 2015 20:54:00 +00002015-09-07T07:56:38.347-06:00I've been sewing, just not quiltsI have been sitting at my sewing machine and doing stuff, just not piecing or quilting. Our church's feast day is coming up and my husband is the director of religious education. His signature clothing is a Hawaiian shirt (I counted last week and he has about 30 I've made.)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6J7Sd_xSLo/VeynD7QLSXI/AAAAAAAAD_4/IelAZ2NRqSc/s1600/Blue%2Bshirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6J7Sd_xSLo/VeynD7QLSXI/AAAAAAAAD_4/IelAZ2NRqSc/s200/Blue%2Bshirt.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="161" /></a><br />We decided it would be fun if I made him a shirt and in a different colorway made one for our pastor. He is rather conservative in his dress, so we found a Hawaiian print in black, white and grey with just a bit of blue that also came in bright blue. <br />My husband has an intern, and I offered to make her a blouse, she accepted. We also have an associate priest, so I also am making her a shirt in the same blue fabric. I've got the two women's shirts almost done. One just needs buttons and button holes. The other needs some alterations and buttons and button holes and it will be done. I've adjusted the pastor's shirt so it will have a neckband he can put his collar on. I was also going to do something about the sleeves and armholes to make them closer fitting, but changed my mind. This is supposed to be a casual clergy shirt :-).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bogmJOXWLRo/VeynDzJG_JI/AAAAAAAAEAE/qI8pEPWXVT8/s1600/black%2Bshirt%2Bfabric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bogmJOXWLRo/VeynDzJG_JI/AAAAAAAAEAE/qI8pEPWXVT8/s320/black%2Bshirt%2Bfabric.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I have also been working on my free motion quilting skills. Mostly watching videos and collecting various patterns folks use. While I searching the net I found a very cool device designed for practicing FMQ on a sit down machine. Unfortunately it is no longer for sale, but it looked simple enough to make. So I did. Just some PVE, tape and pipe clamps. A rubber band, dry erase marker and the white cover of a notebook that I can slip a printed page into.<br /><br />I made a short video showing how I use it. You can check it out. I'll do another post to show how I made it later today or tomorrow.<br /><br />I'm linking to <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2015/09/07/design-wall-september-7-2015/" target="_blank">Judy's</a> blog. Go see what others are doing.<br /><br />Enjoy<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/TD6AErE386g/default.jpg?sqp=CNjgsq8F&amp;rs=AOn4CLDj3NJnRFuWv6xLeiN2TRcqdM-AVg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TD6AErE386g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/09/ive-been-sewing-just-not-quilts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-7129655584948003940Thu, 20 Aug 2015 02:51:00 +00002015-08-19T20:51:52.277-06:00finishedfree motion quiltingAnother Finish<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XInpDSxoDJ0/VdU-1JWp6hI/AAAAAAAAD_A/g7kcEBPAyVg/s1600/puzzle%2Bdone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XInpDSxoDJ0/VdU-1JWp6hI/AAAAAAAAD_A/g7kcEBPAyVg/s400/puzzle%2Bdone.JPG" width="293" /></a>This one was so much faster than the last. It's quite a bit smaller and the quilting is much plainer. I just did a simple jigsaw puzzle design and then striped multicolored fabric for the binding. You can see a close up of the quilting below. Simple lines from top to bottom then side to side.<br /><br />Feels good to have one less top hanging around.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ySBoqbNR48/VdVAViI2AEI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/-x02QVFkqaU/s1600/puzzle%2Bquilting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ySBoqbNR48/VdVAViI2AEI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/-x02QVFkqaU/s400/puzzle%2Bquilting.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/08/another-finish.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-4859291944441817789Tue, 18 Aug 2015 02:37:00 +00002015-08-18T06:35:06.649-06:00baby quiltfree motion quiltingWIPMore quilting Going On<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MAz1GJ2ObA/VdKX0JHRgQI/AAAAAAAAD-o/TsERBrcscIE/s1600/front%2Bpuzzle%2Bquilting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MAz1GJ2ObA/VdKX0JHRgQI/AAAAAAAAD-o/TsERBrcscIE/s320/front%2Bpuzzle%2Bquilting.JPG" width="320" /></a>After the dense quilting on the last quilt that took FOREVER, I decided to do something easy and fast for the next quilt. I was trying to figure out something clever that would fit in the hourglass shapes (tumbler blocks stacked on each other) and then came across the puzzle block quilting pattern. I didn't draw any lines so it's not perfect, but it works for me on this quilt. I just sewed all the lines the length of the quilt, and now I'm working on the crosswise lines. Simple but effective.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0sybTvBCy8/VdKX0DwZphI/AAAAAAAAD-k/uNIThpYVxok/s1600/backside%2Bquilting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0sybTvBCy8/VdKX0DwZphI/AAAAAAAAD-k/uNIThpYVxok/s320/backside%2Bquilting.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />The backing is from Ikea; fabric I bought a couple of years ago at least. I'm actually almost done and I started yesterday. YAY.<br /><br />I finished the top 4 1/2 years ago, yikes. I had no idea it had been that long. It's a pattern I downloaded (free at the time) from Elizabeth Hartman called New Wave. It can be purchased from her website now. If you're interested you can find it <a href="http://ohfransson.bigcartel.com/product/new-wave-quilts-modern-patchwork-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />I have no specific recipient in mind, but there are always babies, right?<br /><br />I'm linking up to <a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/2015/08/sew-cute-tuesday-56/" target="_blank">Blossom Heart Quilts</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.conniekresin.com/2015/08/linky-tuesday_18.html" target="_blank">Freemotion by the River</a>, go check them out.http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/08/more-quilting-going-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-1693467835151796027Sun, 16 Aug 2015 00:02:00 +00002015-08-17T20:23:05.311-06:00free motion quiltingHoly Macaroli! It's done (well almost)<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3B4hPVkPJ4A/Vc_Q6v6pq6I/AAAAAAAAD-I/FftBAJolPV0/s1600/whole%2Bquilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3B4hPVkPJ4A/Vc_Q6v6pq6I/AAAAAAAAD-I/FftBAJolPV0/s400/whole%2Bquilt.jpg" width="400" /></a>It is done (except for the binding, but that will be done a bit later today).<i> I had to get the picture while it was still light enough outside and not wet. Looks like it is going to rain in a bit.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i>I ended up quilting it much more densely than I thought I would, but I like the way it looks. The border is very simply quilted, just straight lines that are right angles to each other.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9AFOOte4wM/Vc_Q-_z3xWI/AAAAAAAAD-U/eHdgStrXM_E/s1600/details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9AFOOte4wM/Vc_Q-_z3xWI/AAAAAAAAD-U/eHdgStrXM_E/s320/details.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here is a close-up of the quilting of the swirly quilting and the border with the corner decoration. I don't know what color I'm going to use for the binding but I'll figure it out.<br /><br />I really like it and am proud of the work I did. This is the first quilt I finished on my Bailey's Home Quilter and though the tension is a bit fiddly I know that once I have worked with it enough I'll know how to set the tension so I don't get those stinking skipped stitches.<br /><br />I've linked to <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2015/08/17/design-wall-august-17-2015/" target="_blank">Judy's blog</a>. Check out more blogs there.http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/08/holy-macaroli-its-done-well-almost.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-3059213599940840290Thu, 13 Aug 2015 23:21:00 +00002015-08-13T17:21:35.497-06:00free motion quiltingHow to...Meander in a Block<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V25mI7sN_MM/Vc0lXiKHdFI/AAAAAAAAD90/SiKiFazQd2s/s1600/outline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V25mI7sN_MM/Vc0lXiKHdFI/AAAAAAAAD90/SiKiFazQd2s/s320/outline.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I thought I'd share how I am figuring out what to do to fill in the green space on the edges of the quilt. I got a book by Suzanne Earley that's no longer in print, called <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/suzanne-earley/meandering-magic-the-deluxe-edition/ebook/product-20062847.html" target="_blank">Meandering Magic</a>&nbsp;(I found it available as an ebook if you're interested). Her premise is that you draw a large meander line, then fill in shapes around it (the magic) to quilt the whole quilt. I've used it before on whole quilts and loved it, here I did it in the blocks I was filling in. I've darkened the line I first sewed on this block so you can see what I did.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng73pUmvBW8/VcyLeGQDFUI/AAAAAAAAD9U/yfHgbtwVKZU/s1600/done.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng73pUmvBW8/VcyLeGQDFUI/AAAAAAAAD9U/yfHgbtwVKZU/s320/done.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the finished quilting on the same block. I think if you look closely you can see where the original line was, but not too easily.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/08/how-tomeander-in-block.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-5929321632047501425Tue, 11 Aug 2015 12:27:00 +00002015-08-11T06:27:30.510-06:00free motion quiltingAlmost DoneI went back to work on the 30th, so the whole schedule has changed, but I have been quilting, just in shorter bursts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjgPY4vH0I4/VcnpULoSwWI/AAAAAAAAD88/vEBUeBRnomg/s1600/quilting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjgPY4vH0I4/VcnpULoSwWI/AAAAAAAAD88/vEBUeBRnomg/s320/quilting.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I've been doing a lot of this.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q95AHift5I/VcnpSMa5R9I/AAAAAAAAD80/mEEyQPrKVOQ/s1600/whole%2Bquilt%2Bquilting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q95AHift5I/VcnpSMa5R9I/AAAAAAAAD80/mEEyQPrKVOQ/s320/whole%2Bquilt%2Bquilting.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">...on this.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I only have a few more sections of the light green border to quilt and I'll be done. Then I have to figure out what I'm going to do with the borders, but I don't think that will be as closely quilted. I don't know what I was thinking when I started this part, but each section is about 12 by 12 for the largest and it takes me about 30 minutes to quilt it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The good news is I finally figured out the skipped stitches problem...tension and I'm getting lots of quilting practice!</div>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/08/almost-done.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-5130682754055996204Sat, 25 Jul 2015 22:21:00 +00002015-07-25T16:21:34.564-06:00Guest Bed UpdateWe have a guest room that is seldom used for guests, but we want to be sure it is available when we have folks over. The room has had my stationary bike in it, but there just isn't much room, and the linens get dirty from the cat sleeping on it and the space just can't be used for anything else. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UktSJkn50dM/VbQD-fJd6rI/AAAAAAAAD8M/Q6C4Lr8Dn8Y/s1600/bed%2Bdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UktSJkn50dM/VbQD-fJd6rI/AAAAAAAAD8M/Q6C4Lr8Dn8Y/s320/bed%2Bdown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So, we decided a Murphy bed was the answer. It was a bit more difficult than we anticipated to put it together, but not really that hard. We bought a <a href="https://www.canadawallbeds.ca/default.asp?id=190&amp;pagesize=1&amp;sfield=content.id&amp;search=96&amp;mn=1.64.123.125" target="_blank">Next Bed frame</a>&nbsp;and it only took about a week to arrive.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTaqqqs2nas/VbQD-X7QqyI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/4LncajnxUbs/s1600/bed%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTaqqqs2nas/VbQD-X7QqyI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/4LncajnxUbs/s320/bed%2Bup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Having the bed hang out and just looking at the bottom isn't too fun, so we are going to put bookcases between the bed and the room. You can see there is a small alcove that holds the bed, so we'll put bookcases on a platform with wheels and move it out of the way toward the right in this picture and we'll have more storage, and cover up the bed when it is not in use.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>It will just look like bookcases, and we'll roll them out of the way. I have more room now, and that feels good.</div>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/07/guest-bed-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-2198840553903005940Wed, 22 Jul 2015 23:33:00 +00002015-07-22T17:36:02.261-06:00baby quiltfree motion quiltingYay! I Figured it Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PL6Cw2Be8EY/VbAmqAvbQxI/AAAAAAAAD7k/HxfocBbBlCw/s1600/whole%2Bquilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PL6Cw2Be8EY/VbAmqAvbQxI/AAAAAAAAD7k/HxfocBbBlCw/s320/whole%2Bquilt.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>I was finally able to get the Bailey's skipped stitches problem (mostly) figured out. I played with the tension some more and got it working, at least for this quilt. I used a simple free motion pattern in each color block, just back and forth with rounded ends. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDwPxLE8Oho/VbAmo6jR7-I/AAAAAAAAD7s/4lkmi4dUIUo/s1600/close%2Bup%2Bback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDwPxLE8Oho/VbAmo6jR7-I/AAAAAAAAD7s/4lkmi4dUIUo/s200/close%2Bup%2Bback.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9AXgEV7U3o/VbAmoqajCuI/AAAAAAAAD7o/BUenurN5g3M/s1600/quilted%2Bback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9AXgEV7U3o/VbAmoqajCuI/AAAAAAAAD7o/BUenurN5g3M/s200/quilted%2Bback.jpg" width="163" /></a>Like this. This is the back of the quilt, and I added some of the leftover blocks to the back to make it wider and to add a bit of interest. The back and the front go together OK, nothing spectacular, but the quilt is sandwiched AND QUILTED! YAY.<br /><br />I was able to finally get it working because I re-read <a href="https://moonlightingquilts.wordpress.com/tag/skipped-stitches/" target="_blank">this blog post</a>&nbsp;and loosened the top tension. I also increased the tension in the bobbin and the top tension before I played some more. The weird thing is that even though the top tension was loosened quite a bit, the stitches are still mostly balanced. Who knew.<br /><br />Just some binding and a label and it's ready to go, and the baby isn't even due until November. I don't know what to think about that :-)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRcl5X-Z56k/VbAmtIa8l_I/AAAAAAAAD74/BVinii7LLs0/s1600/front%2Band%2Bback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRcl5X-Z56k/VbAmtIa8l_I/AAAAAAAAD74/BVinii7LLs0/s400/front%2Band%2Bback.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I've linked up to Lee, at<a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2015/07/wip-wednesday-painting.html" target="_blank"> Freshly Pieced</a>.http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/07/yay-i-figured-it-out.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-8019935208480539654Mon, 13 Jul 2015 03:24:00 +00002015-07-13T09:12:04.210-06:00baby quiltbagsQuilting Problems and Other StuffI am trying to quilt with the new Bailey's and the bobbin thread kept breaking. I finally figured out that I had threaded it incorrectly. After I fixed that I played around with the tension while sewing through cotton fabric. Got that right, but now, when I try to quilt it keeps breaking. The quilt I am working on is backed with Minkee (or a Minkee knock-off) and that may be the problem. I've been researching online and it seems that for some reason quilting machines are much more touchy about fabric/thread/needle combinations. My Bernina will happily work with just about any combination so I guess I'm spoiled. I'll work more on it tomorrow, and if I can't quilt this one on the Bailey's I'll just finish it on the Bernina.<i>&nbsp;I just called Bailey's and have changed to a quilt sandwich instead of just fabric. It works fine, so the problem is the Minkee....drat.</i><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwg66lyTuYk/VZ9DwRyD8aI/AAAAAAAAD6M/NipbwpkZ84M/s1600/camping1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwg66lyTuYk/VZ9DwRyD8aI/AAAAAAAAD6M/NipbwpkZ84M/s320/camping1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>I've been gone since the 25th. I went camping with some of my family in California. It was wonderful to see everyone, but a little ironic that I drove 17 hours so I could spend time in the mountains: driving from the Rockies, across the desert to the Sierras. Spending time with family was worth it though. Two of my brothers and my sisters were there with their spouses. My two brother's kids were all there with their kids, and my sister's son came for a few days. We had some in-laws there as well, so altogether about 35 people. The weather was nice, mostly in the 80s. It was interesting to leave Colorado early morning at 51 degrees and that afternoon arrive in Las Vegas at 114 degrees. Yikes! People go to Las Vegas on purpose at this time of year, and then they go outside in that heat. Not for me!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nx4WGRiwPh0/VaMuAzHR9RI/AAAAAAAAD64/xTAhKfHmh0Q/s1600/Nates%2Bshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nx4WGRiwPh0/VaMuAzHR9RI/AAAAAAAAD64/xTAhKfHmh0Q/s320/Nates%2Bshirt.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd3hPiQKbWo/VaMiU0oHEbI/AAAAAAAAD6k/kkhvDg6bceY/s1600/beths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd3hPiQKbWo/VaMiU0oHEbI/AAAAAAAAD6k/kkhvDg6bceY/s320/beths.jpg" width="259" /></a>Before I left I sewed a shirt for my nephew, an apron for my niece and some bags to share.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-rr3f3osy8/VaMuCoC4cXI/AAAAAAAAD7I/4MCclp7KxSk/s1600/20150623_064613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-rr3f3osy8/VaMuCoC4cXI/AAAAAAAAD7I/4MCclp7KxSk/s320/20150623_064613.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;I'm planning two baby quilts. The one with the Minkee on the back is for my niece whose baby is due in September and another for my niece-in-law whose son (after three daughters--daddy is thrilled) is due in November. &nbsp; I got the top done and it is based on ,<a href="http://www.fabri-quilt.com/images/pdfs/A%20Walk%20in%20the%20Park%20Pattern.pdf" target="_blank">A Walk in the Park</a>&nbsp;(it's free but you might have to register to get it.) It's going to have a border with white and one of the colors from the quilt, probably the blue. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqKZaEjYLG0/VaMuAllFENI/AAAAAAAAD68/FfuGqLltvis/s1600/20150623_064633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqKZaEjYLG0/VaMuAllFENI/AAAAAAAAD68/FfuGqLltvis/s320/20150623_064633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've linked to Judy's blog. http://patchworktimes.com</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/07/quilting-problems-and-other-stuff.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-3345200939833128067Sat, 20 Jun 2015 00:59:00 +00002015-06-19T19:02:14.325-06:00organizationsewing roomDone Enough!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dgdoXK8jZY/VYS4YhcqHHI/AAAAAAAAD4k/brarGU9YkGA/s1600/20150619_134602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dgdoXK8jZY/VYS4YhcqHHI/AAAAAAAAD4k/brarGU9YkGA/s200/20150619_134602.jpg" width="111" /></a>This is the kitchen table. Do you notice what's on it? NOTHING! I have dealt with all the fabric and stuff that was on it. I must admit a lot of it was just stuffed on the bookshelves, but I'll get to them later.<br /><br />I have to tell you, this was a long process. I started on the 9th, and 10 days later I'm done with the fabric portion. I still have lots of organizing and deciding to do, but I need to get some sewing done so I feel like I actually accomplished something. I guess it's my reward.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is what the room looks like now.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRuZjWNPxN4/VYS4YyDIZqI/AAAAAAAAD48/Q5OLtF9yb7U/s1600/20150619_132218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRuZjWNPxN4/VYS4YyDIZqI/AAAAAAAAD48/Q5OLtF9yb7U/s400/20150619_132218.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabric closet. I actually have put a few more things in the lowest cubes, but only a few.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tA_pvWYYO2U/VYS4ZbrRLrI/AAAAAAAAD5c/kCHHFogmUws/s1600/20150619_184508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tA_pvWYYO2U/VYS4ZbrRLrI/AAAAAAAAD5c/kCHHFogmUws/s400/20150619_184508.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just to the right of the fabric closet. &nbsp;The pictures move around the room to the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz7ZToi_ZWc/VYS4Zt3jVJI/AAAAAAAAD5o/SMeMmvtEfak/s1600/20150619_184519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz7ZToi_ZWc/VYS4Zt3jVJI/AAAAAAAAD5o/SMeMmvtEfak/s400/20150619_184519.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still unorganized, but I can do that relatively easily (I hope.)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2kbqXzRNGA/VYS4aXm_LPI/AAAAAAAAD5M/HrPjwRUlJEA/s1600/20150619_184527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2kbqXzRNGA/VYS4aXm_LPI/AAAAAAAAD5M/HrPjwRUlJEA/s400/20150619_184527.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0MYO_zkx7U/VYS4bJpRIYI/AAAAAAAAD5k/O_9T0j4gaa0/s1600/20150619_184549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0MYO_zkx7U/VYS4bJpRIYI/AAAAAAAAD5k/O_9T0j4gaa0/s400/20150619_184549.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view when I sit at the sewing machine.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tcwaireMZDo/VYS4arabxVI/AAAAAAAAD5g/mHbGQ2oKqAk/s1600/20150619_184536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tcwaireMZDo/VYS4arabxVI/AAAAAAAAD5g/mHbGQ2oKqAk/s400/20150619_184536.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bailey's quilter. I butted it up against my cutting table so I have room for the quilt, and room behind to sit.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3figNcGm2eg/VYS4anZq-ZI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/_iaqwkWvJN4/s1600/20150619_184542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3figNcGm2eg/VYS4anZq-ZI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/_iaqwkWvJN4/s400/20150619_184542.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The design wall, and the small brown table thing is my treadle machine.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8260KWzdVD4/VYS4Y9THWcI/AAAAAAAAD5A/eX2DDvhyi5M/s1600/20150619_132147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8260KWzdVD4/VYS4Y9THWcI/AAAAAAAAD5A/eX2DDvhyi5M/s400/20150619_132147.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the fabric closet, with the new curtains closed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/done-enough.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-449520385058691433Thu, 18 Jun 2015 15:08:00 +00002015-06-18T10:19:28.014-06:00baby quiltorganizationWIPwork in progressAlmost There, and Some Advice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiF_c46J7Bo/VYLb2UQ5IUI/AAAAAAAAD3o/qy3YqVuzuXM/s1600/mini%2Bbolts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiF_c46J7Bo/VYLb2UQ5IUI/AAAAAAAAD3o/qy3YqVuzuXM/s320/mini%2Bbolts.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here is the fabric closet now. I took this last night, then found more fabric (surprise) that needed to be wound into mini-bolts. I have to let you know, I have bought and lost solid black fabric a couple of times, but good news, now it's found!. One piece was about 8 yards (what for you ask, I have no idea!) The last one I found was only about 3 yards. I have plenty of black fabric. Good thing I like to use it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bBFNK3G4_g8/VYLbosT37oI/AAAAAAAAD3U/RBIH07ZFMY0/s1600/drawers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bBFNK3G4_g8/VYLbosT37oI/AAAAAAAAD3U/RBIH07ZFMY0/s200/drawers.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>And now for some advice. The last time I &nbsp;organized I put things away so that they would be organized. The little set of drawers you see has a sister; both of them filled with delightful items I would keep together to work on any day now. I then put the two of them very safely in the closet in their own little space on the floor in the corner.<br /><br />Yesterday, they were brought back into the light. I found the wonderful treasures I had stored. I guess I wanted a time capsule, not an easily accessible storage place. So my advice, put things where you can get to them easily and where you can see them, unless of course you are constructing a time capsule.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABBQ-bVs_yM/VYLb2KlNzLI/AAAAAAAAD3s/EeBxdemrRic/s1600/under%2Bthe%2Bsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABBQ-bVs_yM/VYLb2KlNzLI/AAAAAAAAD3s/EeBxdemrRic/s200/under%2Bthe%2Bsea.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>I must have been because I also unearthed this kit. I looked at it and couldn't figure out where or when I got it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xY50WjjqyVU/VYLeCGcXOtI/AAAAAAAAD34/9K-rEaLziZ8/s1600/tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xY50WjjqyVU/VYLeCGcXOtI/AAAAAAAAD34/9K-rEaLziZ8/s200/tag.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Then I looked at the tag. I bought this when I went with my sister to the Sister's Quilt show in, wait for it....2008. So the time capsule worked, it has reminded me of events and wonderful times from long ago!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fue2Pbol-hQ/VYLtz4gbqaI/AAAAAAAAD4I/CGdaWNdZAGE/s1600/hall%2Bcloset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fue2Pbol-hQ/VYLtz4gbqaI/AAAAAAAAD4I/CGdaWNdZAGE/s200/hall%2Bcloset.jpg" width="89" /></a></div>Update: I found this. The closet just outside my sewing room. I knew there was fabric in it, I'm the one who put it there. However I think my mind has been ignoring it.<br /><br />The large bin toward the top has fleece for backings, so that one goes back. The small one on top is completed quilts, so they get moved. The bottom one has clothing fabric and patterns. You'll be surprised to hear that I have aged it long enough, and it is ready to be shared (with a charity shop), at least most of it.<br /><br />I think I should stop looking. I'm tired of fabric! I don't want to organize anymore. I want to quilt.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-75O3vzsfAhI/VYLbo0UimCI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/_1-q75xPKL4/s1600/simple%2Bquilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-75O3vzsfAhI/VYLbo0UimCI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/_1-q75xPKL4/s320/simple%2Bquilt.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>Oh one more! These blocks were in one of the time capsules drawers. I remember that I didn't like them when I finished them. Now they're OK, I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder. I have fleece for the backing, so quick baby quilt. You'll be surprised to know there are babies going to be born in my world.<br /><br />Onward and upward. Back to work.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/almost-there-and-some-advice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-4085741642041735820Sun, 14 Jun 2015 01:02:00 +00002015-06-13T19:07:49.805-06:00fabric storagesewing roomProgress: I think<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PowzR6aveqg/VXzQavi9zeI/AAAAAAAAD2U/JiDqAv9oR9U/s1600/20150613_184547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PowzR6aveqg/VXzQavi9zeI/AAAAAAAAD2U/JiDqAv9oR9U/s320/20150613_184547.jpg" width="320" /></a>How can there still be this much stuff left to go through? It's mostly fabric but other miscellaneous stuff that was in the top part of the closet was also piled on the table<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXNSkSObAvY/VXzQamFcg9I/AAAAAAAAD2Q/ud9kPJtVBgI/s1600/20150613_184600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXNSkSObAvY/VXzQamFcg9I/AAAAAAAAD2Q/ud9kPJtVBgI/s320/20150613_184600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;I've put this much fabric away! Is it multiplying? I guess I've done a few other things today. I did do the laundry and put it away. I went through my clothes (closet and drawers) and discarded and organized and donated. I donated a chair, donated a cupboard that was in my room, went through all the patterns I had and discarded what I didn't love any more. Shopped for hardware then bolted the bookcases together.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh8Jc2_wCQw/VXzQag4UmzI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/Wg7R67MVYzo/s1600/20150613_184614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh8Jc2_wCQw/VXzQag4UmzI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/Wg7R67MVYzo/s320/20150613_184614.jpg" width="320" /></a>OK, I did more that I realized. I feel a bit better now.<br /><br /><br />The bookcases have most of the stuff on them that is going to go, at least from the shelves I took down, the cupboard I donated and the stuff that didn't belong in the fabric closet. The problem is, there is no order, not even a little, not yet. I'm trying not to look at it when I walk in the room, because it is feeling a bit overwhelming. I have to decide where everything is going to go, and then put it there.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDWZ_gBdYyo/VXzQbFc0P7I/AAAAAAAAD2c/XYhFhmU4oF0/s1600/20150613_184625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDWZ_gBdYyo/VXzQbFc0P7I/AAAAAAAAD2c/XYhFhmU4oF0/s320/20150613_184625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />More of the cutting table is visible as well. I've put some things away, and gotten rid of some things.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNveZqu11-0/VXzQbcavNyI/AAAAAAAAD2g/KTopl-YZPj4/s1600/20150613_184658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNveZqu11-0/VXzQbcavNyI/AAAAAAAAD2g/KTopl-YZPj4/s320/20150613_184658.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />There is also more space to walk around in the living room. The chair that got donated had a whole pile of sewing stuff on it that got dealt with before I donated it.<br /><br />OK, whew. I feel MUCH better. Thanks for listening!http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/progress-i-think.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-1675425318846241354Fri, 12 Jun 2015 14:21:00 +00002015-06-12T20:51:58.609-06:00dragonfliesWIPwork in progressSquirrel(s)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-brknCpGRzxs/VXrqE7IZmsI/AAAAAAAAD1g/SSGHcAHWINI/s1600/20150612_080746%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-brknCpGRzxs/VXrqE7IZmsI/AAAAAAAAD1g/SSGHcAHWINI/s320/20150612_080746%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>&nbsp;Because, as my sister said last night, I see a lot of squirrels while doing some long term projects I have to replace this one ugly section of fabric. I have been meaning to do it for a while, but I guess I just didn't need the distraction enough till now. These fabrics are all dragonflies I've collected. I put in the orangey-red one and I just HATE it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0IVA7qe5SY/VXrqII-Sl2I/AAAAAAAAD1o/TWrlPNGpLls/s1600/20150612_081141%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0IVA7qe5SY/VXrqII-Sl2I/AAAAAAAAD1o/TWrlPNGpLls/s320/20150612_081141%255B1%255D.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div>So finally I am going to replace it with the blue you see here. (sorry for the crappy pictures, my husband is using my camera so I'm using my phone.) I don't LOVE this quilt, but it's OK. I might like it better once it is done and quilted. Maybe this will be the first one I quilt with the Bailey's Home Quilter I got.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg8jGOr-IO0/VXuaeFmhbOI/AAAAAAAAD18/plTYhHq5tPc/s1600/20150612_204315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg8jGOr-IO0/VXuaeFmhbOI/AAAAAAAAD18/plTYhHq5tPc/s320/20150612_204315.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>And I'm done. I replaced the whole zig-zag row. I feel MUCH better now.<br /><br />Whew.</div>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/squirrel.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-1367707701242897064Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:47:00 +00002015-06-15T15:06:47.968-06:00fabric storagesewing roomRolling some FabricNo, even though I live in Colorado I am not smoking the fabric!<br /><br />My previous method of storing fabric was to fold it around 9 inch plastic board, then stack it in the small cubes I have. They just fit in the space, so it was a pretty good fit. The big problem was that taking pieces out from the bottom of the stack, then trying to get pieces back in to a stack resulted in a mess, and after a while I would just stuff pieces in.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLcnC5gHVDM/VXrPCI8v5-I/AAAAAAAAD1A/veZApnbeY7Y/s1600/20150610_220629%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLcnC5gHVDM/VXrPCI8v5-I/AAAAAAAAD1A/veZApnbeY7Y/s320/20150610_220629%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a>I decided that I needed to tidy that mess up. The cubes I have are about 14 x 14 x 10. Previously they were put together so they were taller rather than wider. I took them apart and put them back together so they are now wider rather than taller and I'm folding my fabric around acid-free comic book boards.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccM-wrCKBjQ/VXrPGQRL8uI/AAAAAAAAD1I/iLcCCGrnAxY/s1600/20150610_220643%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccM-wrCKBjQ/VXrPGQRL8uI/AAAAAAAAD1I/iLcCCGrnAxY/s320/20150610_220643%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The mini bolts that result are easier to move around. The go in and come out of the cubes much more easily. The only change I'm going to make is to put a pin in each fabric to hold the end in. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-65WnWRCRn6k/VXrPx-TXGoI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/NhOI-WS408s/s1600/20150612_055526%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-65WnWRCRn6k/VXrPx-TXGoI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/NhOI-WS408s/s320/20150612_055526%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While doing my searching for fabric organization methods I found a free PDF for wraps for remnants. I am using it for larger than scraps, but smaller than mini-bolts. I'm going to put these in a basket or a tote; somehow make them relatively easy to access. If you're interested you can find them <a href="http://justsomethingimade.com/2009/07/organizing-fabric-remnants/" target="_blank">here</a>.http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/rolling-some-fabric.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-2943871752546279832Wed, 10 Jun 2015 02:27:00 +00002015-06-09T20:27:58.243-06:00TidyingI got the shelves, now I need to purge and figure out how to fit everything where it belongs so I can keep it neat. The first step is take all of the fabric out and look at each piece to decide if I want it, and if I do, how I will store it so I can find it and put it back when I am done. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CyPKL9DBDj0/VXef9YC20mI/AAAAAAAAD0c/7PqIW9gh_2Q/s1600/20150609_195903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CyPKL9DBDj0/VXef9YC20mI/AAAAAAAAD0c/7PqIW9gh_2Q/s320/20150609_195903.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>I didn't get a picture before I took anything out, but here it is with most of the fabric and stuff still in the closet. You can see I have each cubby stuffed full.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-777FvzvuSTg/VXefvfMfK4I/AAAAAAAAD0Q/rgyD9uNtz0s/s1600/20150609_201603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-777FvzvuSTg/VXefvfMfK4I/AAAAAAAAD0Q/rgyD9uNtz0s/s320/20150609_201603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here is all the fabric from the top section on the kitchen table (with my pressing board put into service to hold the extra). I don't know if it looks like much here, but it is a bit embarrassing. Now to go through each piece and decide if it brings me joy and if I want to keep it. I also want to turn the cubbies in the closet sideways so instead of stacking the fabric I stand it on its side like a book so I can access it more easily and put it away more easily.<br /><br />Now, to start!http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/tidying.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-4516486950119571050Wed, 10 Jun 2015 01:52:00 +00002015-06-09T19:53:45.345-06:00This is amazing!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RlpypfWcSTQ/VXeWjAdGcLI/AAAAAAAADzo/TswNcRuTqcE/s1600/20150609_194108%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RlpypfWcSTQ/VXeWjAdGcLI/AAAAAAAADzo/TswNcRuTqcE/s200/20150609_194108%255B1%255D.jpg" width="112" /></a>&nbsp;Not a great picture...but I was able to make a cake at 8,600 feet and do you see it is not collapsed? The amazing thing however is that these were stuck in the pans and I was expecting them to be crumbs. Not a happy thought. So, how did I get them out of the pans you ask. Well, I asked Google of course. Google said I could freeze the cakes for 6 hours or more and they would then come out. I believe that would work. However I didn't want to wait that long. So I asked again, and this time Google said that I should wet a dishcloth and wrap it around the pan. Shake the pan and the cakes would loosen. I was doubtful, but it worked and I am amazed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fFgGsuSIfI/VXeWp2-LvTI/AAAAAAAADz0/1CSyU40wAE4/s1600/20150607_203312%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3fFgGsuSIfI/VXeWp2-LvTI/AAAAAAAADz0/1CSyU40wAE4/s400/20150607_203312%255B1%255D.jpg" width="225" /></a>Next. My birthday was on Saturday and I decided I would like some shelves for my sewing room so I had room to set up my new quilting machine. I went to Ikea and purchased three Billy bookcases in white. I took out the three shelves I had attached to the walls and removed the storage I had painted last year. Once I go through and get rid of stuff that <a href="http://tidyingup.com/" target="_blank">doesn't bring me joy</a> I'll have plenty of space for everything. See!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFG-hVJfzdE/VXeWXVN0cXI/AAAAAAAADzk/8JRnNYG2bbU/s1600/20150607_203252%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFG-hVJfzdE/VXeWXVN0cXI/AAAAAAAADzk/8JRnNYG2bbU/s400/20150607_203252%255B1%255D.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4ygmLeb03c/VXeWRtvELuI/AAAAAAAADzc/roGI865OwzE/s1600/20150607_203245%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4ygmLeb03c/VXeWRtvELuI/AAAAAAAADzc/roGI865OwzE/s400/20150607_203245%255B1%255D.jpg" width="225" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/this-is-amazing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-4421391395413464909Sat, 06 Jun 2015 03:12:00 +00002015-06-05T21:12:44.550-06:00Need More Storage...or more room<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc4AWl1Tj0k/VXJel_CJKjI/AAAAAAAADyc/Np3HT5kIjok/s1600/DSCN1764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc4AWl1Tj0k/VXJel_CJKjI/AAAAAAAADyc/Np3HT5kIjok/s320/DSCN1764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Wall</td></tr></tbody></table>Allie suggested I look for more storage by going up. I guess I'd have to reconfigure lots of stuff because I already have most of my walls full. &nbsp;I haven't used them to their full extent I don't think. I also have many bins under the cutting table.<br /><br />The possible solution is to get rid of some stuff. OH NO!<br /><br />Anyone have any clever and inexpensive suggestions to my storage problems?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KCs7Eml-Kto/VXJelxIfTZI/AAAAAAAADys/oY01PwpANu0/s1600/DSCN1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KCs7Eml-Kto/VXJelxIfTZI/AAAAAAAADys/oY01PwpANu0/s320/DSCN1765.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Wall<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJt-yeouWoY/VXJemM552QI/AAAAAAAADyw/F5omlnMFCZA/s1600/DSCN1763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJt-yeouWoY/VXJemM552QI/AAAAAAAADyw/F5omlnMFCZA/s320/DSCN1763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Wall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUWsMkTdR44/VXJepiIMqSI/AAAAAAAADy4/VIGrrw862X4/s1600/DSCN1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUWsMkTdR44/VXJepiIMqSI/AAAAAAAADy4/VIGrrw862X4/s320/DSCN1766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Wall</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z4fwQz-xRI/VXJgGGAlSkI/AAAAAAAADzE/Wh5RUmKgNGA/s1600/undertable%2Bstorage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z4fwQz-xRI/VXJgGGAlSkI/AAAAAAAADzE/Wh5RUmKgNGA/s320/undertable%2Bstorage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">under table storage</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/need-more-storageor-more-room.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-3894766204840764215Fri, 05 Jun 2015 12:11:00 +00002015-06-05T06:11:46.204-06:00quiltingsit-down quilting machineSit Down Quilting Machine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKnPhOKbkU4/VXGQsltIqMI/AAAAAAAADyI/xzibJlGrLKQ/s1600/machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKnPhOKbkU4/VXGQsltIqMI/AAAAAAAADyI/xzibJlGrLKQ/s320/machine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I got the Bailey's Home Quilter two days ago and I've been trying to figure it out since then. It was pretty easy to set up, though the light gave me a little problem. The stitching has been a problem. It kept skipping stitches, not picking up the bobbin. I think I have that figured out. I can't sew as slow as I was. I have to have the same type thread on top and in the bobbin and I had to work on adjusting the tension in both the top thread and the bobbin. I want to play with a lot before I start quilting so I get the idea better.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5crnDyp91M/VXGQso9CrYI/AAAAAAAADyE/sq8ySeBFN2I/s1600/in%2Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5crnDyp91M/VXGQso9CrYI/AAAAAAAADyE/sq8ySeBFN2I/s320/in%2Broom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>I don't have a lot of room in my sewing room for it. I may have to reconfigure the whole room. I only have a 11 x 13 room and when you put as much stuff in it as I have it gets very crowded. You can see I have quite a mess here. I moved stuff around so I could get the new machine in and a lot of it got thrown on the sewing/cutting table. I may need to figure out a new table for my regular machine, maybe something smaller. The problem with that is I have all kinds of stuff stored under the table.</div><div><br /></div><div>What to do? What to do?</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll post some pictures when I finally get something quilted, even if it's only a square of something.<br /><br /></div>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/sit-down-quilting-machine.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-3232431664936600318Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:58:00 +00002015-06-03T06:02:03.515-06:00kaleidoscope blocksstack n whackWIPFinishing up<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkBXADEONAA/VW7o8k5YwCI/AAAAAAAADxs/1NMK-KzoYo0/s1600/quilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkBXADEONAA/VW7o8k5YwCI/AAAAAAAADxs/1NMK-KzoYo0/s320/quilting.jpg" width="320" /></a>I got my Bernina back from being serviced. Nice and smooth and quiet. I was able to quilt the last two octagons on this quilt. Now I just need to figure out what to do with the outside border area. I don't want to make it too fancy but it also needs to match the density in the interior of the quilt.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjLtdYe7LHQ/VWxnj6JREqI/AAAAAAAADxY/MFuX_n5BF-U/s1600/hexagon%2Bmaze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjLtdYe7LHQ/VWxnj6JREqI/AAAAAAAADxY/MFuX_n5BF-U/s320/hexagon%2Bmaze.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>I also want to work on the hexagon maze. I only have these two blocks done, but this is going to be one of those quilts that will be done all at once because of the nature of the pattern. Each hexagon needs rounds of fabric, then they can be sewed together....lots of rounds of fabric. I have the grey done on all 25 except for one piece on each. I got sidetracked yesterday because the Bernina came back and I needed to finish the quilting that got interrupted.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUx2sSJCZNY/VWD56N4CgUI/AAAAAAAADv4/bITiZMIczlI/s1600/bailey-s-sit-down-table-for-bhq-13-pro-15-and-pro-17e-1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rUx2sSJCZNY/VWD56N4CgUI/AAAAAAAADv4/bITiZMIczlI/s320/bailey-s-sit-down-table-for-bhq-13-pro-15-and-pro-17e-1.gif" width="320" /></a></div>I'm supposed to get my new quilting machine today. Here is a picture from the shop. It is from Bailey's Sewing in New York state and will certainly be easier to use with the large harp space. I'm pretty excited to see how it will work for me.<br /><br />The finished quilt will be about 70 x 100, so will work for the guest room (I think). I just design and make them I don't plan them :-).<br /><br />So much going on, but I'm having fun.<br /><br />I'm linking to Lee at <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Pieced Modern</a> today. Check out what others have in progress there.http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/finishing-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-6963024571021190510Mon, 01 Jun 2015 14:21:00 +00002015-06-01T18:37:28.858-06:00kaleidoscope blocksstack n whackWIPNew--Hexagon Maze <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjLtdYe7LHQ/VWxnj6JREqI/AAAAAAAADxU/37ubiO3T_j0/s1600/hexagon%2Bmaze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjLtdYe7LHQ/VWxnj6JREqI/AAAAAAAADxU/37ubiO3T_j0/s320/hexagon%2Bmaze.jpg" width="274" /></a>&nbsp;here are two of the blocks for the new quilt. The pattern is the one shown below. I'm making it up as I go along, which means sometimes I cut pieces that don't fit because I don't measure well...oh well.<br /><br />I like the pattern. It is going to be a bit complex to piece, but I don't seem to be able to design easy patterns. It took me a bit to figure out how to add that little vertical bit of fabric at the bottom of the block. I decided the easiest way was to top stitch down the sides. I unpicked a bit of the sewing between the grey and blue borders, stuck the bit of blue in and top-stitched. I like it.<br /><br />The process is slow. I have 25 hexagons and each one has to have at least two rounds of fabric sewed on. I only have These two completed. The other 23 have just 6 of the 6 pieces needed for the first "round" of grey. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGMEmqF6KLE/VWW374IQZrI/AAAAAAAADww/m8475jDmin8/s1600/layout-blue%2Bblocks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGMEmqF6KLE/VWW374IQZrI/AAAAAAAADww/m8475jDmin8/s320/layout-blue%2Bblocks.png" width="249" /></a>I am currently using my Featherweight because my Bernina was making horrible screeching noises. I guess after more than 25 years it needed professional care. I took it in to be tuned up last Tuesday so I should have it back soon.<br /><br />The Featherweight is doing a great job (after I figured out how to put the bobbin in correctly) but it is a bit slow. It also seems I have to replace the bobbin a lot!<br /><br />I'm linking up to Judy at <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2015/06/01/design-wall-monday-9/" target="_blank">Patchwork Times</a>.http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/06/new-hexagon-maze.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-588351321339489503Wed, 27 May 2015 12:28:00 +00002015-05-27T09:18:59.927-06:00kaleidoscope blocksstack n whackNew Hexagon Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-se1FMjBV5fM/VWW1SaVBcDI/AAAAAAAADwY/YD79mCFHPdk/s1600/blue%2Bblocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-se1FMjBV5fM/VWW1SaVBcDI/AAAAAAAADwY/YD79mCFHPdk/s320/blue%2Bblocks.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>Since I can't finish up quilting on my lily pad quilt I decided to work on something new. I was looking through my fabric and came across cut sets for these blocks. I have enough fabric to make maybe 10-20 more. They are only 8" across, so won't make a very big quilt.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbbi2TQNZaU/VWW33sNxV4I/AAAAAAAADwk/DVK-4xGdl54/s1600/blue%2Bfabric%2Bcolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbbi2TQNZaU/VWW33sNxV4I/AAAAAAAADwk/DVK-4xGdl54/s320/blue%2Bfabric%2Bcolors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I bought a light pearl gray and deep blue to go with them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGMEmqF6KLE/VWW374IQZrI/AAAAAAAADww/m8475jDmin8/s1600/layout-blue%2Bblocks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGMEmqF6KLE/VWW374IQZrI/AAAAAAAADww/m8475jDmin8/s320/layout-blue%2Bblocks.png" width="249" /></a></div>Using those fabrics and this layout I think I have another one I'll like. Because I don't have enough fabric for the kaleidoscope blocks I think I am going to make some of them from the blue. So I will have a mixture of the kaleidoscope blocks and solid blue blocks.<br /><br />I'm linking to <a href="http://estheraliu.blogspot.com/2015/05/wow-chores-are-wips-too.html" target="_blank">Esther's blog </a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Pieced</a>&nbsp;to share my WIP today.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/05/new-hexagon-quilt.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-710434973756222623Sat, 23 May 2015 22:15:00 +00002015-05-25T06:54:50.464-06:00free motion quiltingsit-down quilting machineI'm actually quilting...and a new machine!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xoy2emD23R0/VWD0WFfAbXI/AAAAAAAADvg/b4CW-iLsDKI/s1600/lilypads%2Bquilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xoy2emD23R0/VWD0WFfAbXI/AAAAAAAADvg/b4CW-iLsDKI/s320/lilypads%2Bquilting.jpg" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;I've been working on quilting a top! I know...it's amazing, but it's true. I took a class from Craftsy and decided to put some of that new knowledge to work. I basted this quilt with 505 Spray and Fix following the method from the class, and then quilted around the border and then within the quilt to make blocks that I can quilt.<br /><br />The blocks ended up being through the hexagons which I continued to the borders, but they work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2OkQ7y-mu8/VVkFdP3qWeI/AAAAAAAADvE/D1kCaN3tAjk/s1600/pieced%2Bback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2OkQ7y-mu8/VVkFdP3qWeI/AAAAAAAADvE/D1kCaN3tAjk/s320/pieced%2Bback.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkUbJAoUeCI/VWD0WASM0kI/AAAAAAAADvc/yHjecpHtLlY/s1600/quilted%2Bblocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkUbJAoUeCI/VWD0WASM0kI/AAAAAAAADvc/yHjecpHtLlY/s320/quilted%2Bblocks.jpg" width="320" /></a>The quilting is very simple in the stars as you can see. Just starting in one of the points and echoing in to the middle. It was very hard trying to decide what I should quilt in the octagons. I came back to this design a number of times before I decided to just go with it. You can't see the quilting on the front of the blocks at all. As you can see in the picture to the right, they just don't show it at all, but the back looks pretty cool.<br /><br />The back is pieced so may not look too bad when it is finished as a quilt. My right shoulder is really sore from moving the quilt through the small harp of my Bernina. I have had some problems with it for a while and it is getting better, so this is now muscle pain. It is hard moving the quilt around in such a small space. I only have &nbsp;4 1/2 inches high at the highest spot, and 6 1/2 inches at the widest spot. This quilt is about 70 x 100 so hard to move in that space.<br /><br />I have been looking at mid-arm sitting machines for years, but have never been able to justify the $4,000-$6,000 they cost. I was looking and drooling again today. Thinking about how much easier it would be to quilt with more space. I found a "deal" on one of them that allowed for monthly payments of about $90 with no interest. I almost bought it but came to my senses. My husband told me to go for it, it is a small amount per month and we can certainly afford it. But $90 per month for 48 months is still more than $4,000. I just couldn't. I quilted some more, rubbed my sore shoulder some more, looked some more and found <a href="http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/clbhqpro15.html" target="_blank">this</a>&nbsp;machine from Bailey's Sewing Center in New York. I talked to my husband again, and he finally convinced me that is it going to be used, so just DO it already!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUx2sSJCZNY/VWD56N4CgUI/AAAAAAAADv0/sZQ7s90rcNM/s1600/bailey-s-sit-down-table-for-bhq-13-pro-15-and-pro-17e-1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUx2sSJCZNY/VWD56N4CgUI/AAAAAAAADv0/sZQ7s90rcNM/s320/bailey-s-sit-down-table-for-bhq-13-pro-15-and-pro-17e-1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />I purchased a classroom machine and the table and it was less than $2,500. I'm still a bit anxious about that much money, but I know I'll use it. &nbsp;I think I got a good deal. The machine was used as a classroom machine for less than 10 hours. It will be cleaned and tuned if necessary. Shipping on both the machine and the table was free and I should get is some time in a week or two.<br /><br />I decided on this one for a couple of reasons. It was much less expensive, it is modified by the folks at Bailey's from a machine that is similar to my Bernina, so I feel like I'll be able to clean and oil it; the bobbins are the same size as my current machine so it's not totally foreign.<br /><br />Yikes!<br /><br />I'm linking to Judy's blog at <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2015/05/25/design-wall-may-25-2015/" target="_blank">Patchwork Times</a>. Go see what other's are doing.http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/05/im-actually-quiltingand-new-machine.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-2003335580006036718Sun, 17 May 2015 21:14:00 +00002015-05-17T15:23:25.476-06:00work in progressI tried...but<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nVoAcsu-Po/VSswW-6VWnI/AAAAAAAADnQ/y45PxKiolQA/s1600/finished%2Btop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5nVoAcsu-Po/VSswW-6VWnI/AAAAAAAADnQ/y45PxKiolQA/s320/finished%2Btop.jpg" width="237" /></a>I don't like paper piecing, but I thought I'd give it a try. I have put the wall hanging pieces in a box. Maybe I'll try again some time later. I tried about 4 times to get started, but I had to take it apart 3 times and decided to put it aside.<br /><br />I have made the back for this quilt. I added borders, and then decided to piece the back using the bits and pieces I had left over from making the top.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2OkQ7y-mu8/VVkFdP3qWeI/AAAAAAAADvA/GbfZyril4ZA/s1600/pieced%2Bback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2OkQ7y-mu8/VVkFdP3qWeI/AAAAAAAADvA/GbfZyril4ZA/s320/pieced%2Bback.jpg" width="242" /></a>This is what it looks like. It took a long time, but I think it will be fun. I'm going to try using spray basting this time to see how it works. I took <b><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/small-machine-big-quilts-better-results/5044?_ct=sbqii-sqjuweho-dum&amp;_ctp=4&amp;rceId=1431897761658~n3yhqxpz" target="_blank">Small Machine, Bit Quilts, Better Results</a></b>&nbsp;on Craftsy and that is how the teacher, Ann Petersen, bastes her quilts.<br /><br />We'll see how it works.http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/05/i-triedbut.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506481399581050908.post-1844200543952316335Fri, 08 May 2015 00:05:00 +00002015-05-07T18:05:40.060-06:00wallhangingword quiltThe Next OneI said &nbsp;was going to quilt a quilt before I started the next top, but there are these designs rolling around in my head, so they have to come out...and making a top is so much more interesting than quilting!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA-VdFkmqOs/VUv3rZLr4RI/AAAAAAAADuQ/DgnsXzChJsA/s1600/rocky%2Bshore%2Bquote2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA-VdFkmqOs/VUv3rZLr4RI/AAAAAAAADuQ/DgnsXzChJsA/s400/rocky%2Bshore%2Bquote2.png" width="400" /></a>I just came back from a pilgrimage to Ireland with a group of 16 people. One of the things I did was prepare a prayer book of Celtic prayers. These are very grounded and immediate. I love a lot of them. This one in particular, this is one from the Carmina Gadelica <a href="http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/cg1/" target="_blank">found online</a>.<br /><br />So I designed this quilt using the free software <a href="http://quiltassistant.com/" target="_blank">Quilt Assistant</a> and today I bought the browns. I'm using all solid fabrics and the finished quilt should be about 24 x 38. The fabrics I chose are close to these colors, but not exact.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh-OcfKlIKM/VUv9gDWhD1I/AAAAAAAADug/aJBhjIvny_I/s1600/fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh-OcfKlIKM/VUv9gDWhD1I/AAAAAAAADug/aJBhjIvny_I/s320/fabric.jpg" width="315" /></a><br />I'm going to tackle the words one of two ways. Either I'm going to use a stencil I make and add them with <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/markers/shiva-paintstiks.html" target="_blank">Shiva Paint Sticks</a>&nbsp;as I did on this <a href="http://edutach.blogspot.com/search?q=banner" target="_blank">banner</a>. The problem I see is that I will be stenciling over seams and it might not work well. In that case I might use the method I used on this <a href="http://edutach.blogspot.com/2011/10/tree-of-life-progress.html" target="_blank">wall hanging</a>. I used batik for the letters because the fabric is tightly woven, so won't fray, and Misty Fuse and top stitching.<br /><br />Here are the fabrics I have to use, I think I'm going to like it a lot!<br /><br />http://edutach.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-next-one.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mary)1